Have love will travel

So I the trip has finally begun :) Tonight Margie and I are in Darien, GA. We rode down with a group of friends from NPRDucati for their Annual Shrimp Run. I have to admit, I am exhausted. Leaving my family and friends (and my dogs) this morning was a challenging way to start the day (so I'm sentimental, sue me). I finally got to NPRDucati at 10am, and after giving my bike one last check my favorite mechanic gave me the go ahead to move out and we were on our way :) 

 Last night was the kickoff party, and I want to thank a few people. First, thank you to everyone who came out to see me off and support The Wounded Warrior Project. Secondly, my father. He contributed significant time and resources to make the party a success. The delicious, fall off the bones ribs, were organized by him. My mother and my sister also contributed a significant amount of time and energy as well. So many of my friends and family attended (I made some new friends too!) and together we raised about a thousand dollars for The Wounded Warrior Project! To read more about the fundraiser click here. Shout out to Jordan, Joseph, Josh, Joyce, (so many J's!), Mike, Mitchell, Rick, Stacey and all the other veterans that joined us for the party. You are the reason I am doing this, to try and repay my debt to you, in some small way.

Odometer starting trip :)

 To jump back to the ride, my ass doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would. Luckily for me, my bike is built for longer distance, touring style riding. I like to prop my feet up on the frame, so I'm really folded up (think the opposite of the guys you see riding around stretched out like they are riding a Lazy boy on two wheels). I guess growing up on horseback really did shape the way I interact with the world, it certainly has affected the way I developed my seat on a motorcycle. 

 Okay, back to the days travels. It was cold this morning! I didn't pack the warmest clothes, other than the plug-in Gerbing jacket, because I know we will be staying close to the southern border of the US where the weather is warm. Honestly, I was in a rotten mood when I left home. I was a little too tired from staying up late, not hungover, just really tired. Finally, at our second fuel stop I grabbed a handful of almonds, and that infinitely improved my mood. I started dancing and riding to the beat in my head, and the music was grand ;)

 I began thinking about this plan of ours, the idea of not having an exact plan or route, just aiming get for the west coast :) This is what I daydreamed about for the rest of the trek to the GA coast. Who knows what kind of interesting characters I will encounter! Especially Monday when I get to New Orleans ;) and the places I can visit! I could keep going, but it's already 1am, and I want to check out the backs of my eyelids soon.

 I got to learn how to dodge objects falling off motorcycles today... it was a, erm, ...good thing to practice...? It's the only good thing I can say about that part of the trip. The guy leading the pack had trouble with his saddlebags... trouble meaning they kept falling off and turning into flying, flipping, large moving obstacles in the road. Trouble meaning fast braking and hoping the guy behind me doesn't run over me as I brake. But we arrived without further incident, I hope his saddlebags aren't ruined.

 Since I started riding three years ago, I've preferred riding solo. I suspect this is because I use my bike as a daily commuter. I just felt that it was more dangerous to ride in a group, with all the crazies doing wheelies and such. (Which can be quite impressive, I just prefer you not do it right behind me). BUT today, I started to see the merits of group riding, especially if I can ride with a group like my traveling partners from this afternoon. Our riding styles matched well, and other than my one friend throwing his saddlebags at me, the ride was downright pleasant! Perhaps it is because my riding abilities have improved, I am better able to let go and relax a little more. 

 Well, I'm going to go collapse in bed. Talk to you tomorrow!
~Amanda Terranova

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"Hey Bulldog"

 I stopped by NPRDucati to pick up some donations for the Wounded Warrior fundraiser this afternoon. It happened to be a demo day... (how convenient right?). After a half of second consideration, I decided to try  the new Monster 1200 (the other tempting option was the Panigale 899, saved for another day ;)

The Monster 1200 on demo day at NPRDucati

 I spend a lot of time on my bike, and I haven't ridden a large number of bikes, so I was a little concerned that I would not ride well. Luckily, the Monster was well trained (and powerful) and she took care of me :) The placement and shape of the tank makes it seem HUGE when you look down on it. It was a good reminder of the power, but it didn't fit well with my long legs. The tank bulged where my legs wanted to rest flat against the tank.

 I left the shop and found a few comfortable, familiar roads. On Malcolm Bridge Rd I passed a small truck where I discovered the difference in power between my Multi and the Monster. Wellington will pick and pass a vehicle pretty quick, but not that quick... not nearly that quick.  I kept it easy through Rays Church Rd (where I found a hilarious and slightly offensive church sign- how am I still surprised by these distasteful signs after so many years in the south?), to Hillsboro Rd, Snows Mill... The Monster was really easy, light and fast through the curves; I didn't have to work hard at all. Turning onto Hwy 78 to head back to the shop

 I nailed the throttle, and discovered  that I was happy to have the bulges on the side of the tank AND what it felt like to ride a wheelie-- coming out of second gear. I bet my smile was a mile wide under my helmet. My Multi just doesn't have the power to do something like that, and thank heaven. Rolling the Monster's throttle put me at WAY-TOO-FAST in second and third. I don't need that speed or power. It was fun. Indescribably, incredibly, indiscriminately fun.

 I forgot how much the wind pulls on you when your bike is missing a windshield. If you want to talk to Paul about test riding the Monster or other Ducs you can contact him here. Paul, I don't think its the right bike for my father. One day I will find one that suits him, but that the 2014 Monster 1200 isn't the one.

I'm off to the islands for the rest of the weekend! Ya'll have fun at Twilight :)



~Amanda Terranova
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More Info:
NPRDucati Address: 4071 Mars Hill Rd, Bogart GA 30622

It All Began With A...

 Someone FINALLY fixed the inane requirement to reduce your speed on the Loop between the Hwy 78 exit at the mall and North Ave. As of March 17th, the speed limit on the entire span of Loop 10 is now 65 mph.

Heading out of Athens on Chase street, right before you go under the loop, there is a little Mexican restaurant on the right before you go under the bridge. Tlaloc El Mexicano. And, oh my gawd, it was easily the best Mexican food I've had in Athens. When you go make sure you order the pupusas, little pouches of cheese and jalapenos (you can also get them stuffed with pork). They are slap-yo-mama good (love you Mom ;). The service was phenomenal. The owner sat at my table, pointed out his favorites on the menu and helped me find something that perfectly suited my taste buds. A word of caution, it was A LOT of food. When I saw the plate, I planned on eating it over the course of two meals... but instead I ate the whole of it. The exquisite agony of overeating. El Mexicano is now on my list of regular haunts :) It seems like a great place for ladies night next week with my girlfriends-- vegetarian options AND margaritas?!?! YES :)

In case you are wondering Tlaloc is an Aztec rain god ("He who makes things sprout").

 Last night a date took me to UGA's Observatory for their open house. Unfortunately, those who decide things said it was too overcast (admittedly, it was...) to use telescope to gaze at all the fascinating things in the night sky. So instead they had a lecture on basics of astronomy and dark matter. I actually found it very intriguing. I walked away with a new curiosity regarding the way that maths and sciences are inter-connected. In chemistry right now I'm studying the elements and how they interact. The elements I am learning about are made by the stars (well the ones here on Earth WERE made by stars) and somewhere along the edge of the universe elements are being made right now. Gold, Oxygen,... Krypton. Astronomers have been studying the sky for thousands of years; they know some really interesting things. So anyways, I am looking forward to the open houses this coming fall. I want to see Jupiter with my own eyes :) And now I've added a telescope to the list of things I'll buy when I win the lottery. Btw, I am not able to ride away gracefully on my motorcycle when I know someone is watching (last night). I hope I don't fall over when Margie and I kick off for California. Maybe I will at least leave people with a laugh in their heart.

 Two of my favorite local bands have album release parties tonight (Friday): Cicada Rhythm (Caledonia Lounge) and Muuy Bien (The World Famous). You should check them out if you are looking for some fun. Kelly's Authentic Jamaican Food has an event this Saturday (all day). Fester Hagood and others will be turning out some feel good music. I love Fester's work and Kelly's Jamaican Food, so I'm planning on stopping by after work... and before I head to NPRDucati. Apparently the tail light on my motorcycle only works sporadically... which is kinda dangerous when you only have one. Oh, and Twilight Criterium is next weekend, so prepared accordingly!

Me and a few of my loved ones :)

 Lastly, happy Easter everyone! I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones and try not to overindulge on chocolate and jelly beans... or other edibles... Easter is on April 20th this year ;)

~Amanda Terranova

More info:
Athens Banner Herald's article on new speed limit
Tlaloc El Mexicano address:
1225 N. Chase St,  Athens, Georgia 30601
UGA's Observatory- located on top of the physics building on UGA's main campus
220 Cedar St, Athens GA

Packing for Camping Lite

A list of what I packed for my first trip(three days). Followed by my thoughts on what I needed, didn't need, etc.

Shelter:
  -6'x10' tarp
  -Eno Hammock
  -sleeping bag to 40 below
  -sleeping pad

  -50' of paracord

  -two lightweight tent stakes
  -various bungees

Food/Water:
  -6 protein bars
  -three cans of tuna
  -a dove dark chocolate bar
  -a bag of baby carrots
  -two ears of corn, seasoned and wrapped in tin foil
  -two oranges and an apple
  -a container of ground coffee and single serving filters
  -four bottles of Ensure
  -one collapsible 1L water container
  -one camelbak water bottle

Tools and Other:
  -biodegradable wet wipes
  -first aid kit with medicines
  -pocket knife
  -multiple fire creating mechanisms
  -items for personal protection*
  -tiny camp stove and fuel
  -a metal cup
  -a fork, spoon, knife, bottle opener tool
  -a screwdriver, plier, etc tool

  -a small brick of fire starter
  -clean underwear, bathing suit top, tank top and shorts.
  -a small rag, about the size of a washcloth



A few things I want to add to my gear before my next trip:
  -A 3'x2' -ish square of treated canvas that I can fold or roll to store away and will repel dirt and water. Mostly can give me a clean surface for preparing and eating food.  But I found think it will serve a variety of uses.
  -A tripod camp stool. I know its a luxury, but its a burden I am willing to carry.
  -Stronger rope and rope system with which to hang my hammock and tent. The two stakes worked well. But I need four or five lengths of stronger/better rope and a good way to store them to prevent tangling.

I was surprised how much I used that little rag. I used it to dry sh.. stuff, and to wipe shi...stuff off my hands, cleaning pocket knives, etc. It was very easy to clean; Just a little soap and rinse in the camp bathroom, and it dried overnight. It was so useful that I just kept it tucked into my back pocket.

Also clutch was the tiny stove. It saved a lot of time in the morning, not having to build/stoke a fire to have fresh coffee. A coffee, an orange, and breakfast bar will go a long way when you need to pack in a hurry. 

Looking back, I think I packed pretty well. I have some experience backpacking and camping, so I'm sure that helped me know what to leave at home and what I would actually need. I guess in the end its all about the experience anyways.

As always, let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
~Amanda Terranova